When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I own an 08 Road King, the only transmission noise I hear is a slight noise in first, I ride with three other 08s no noticeable noise at all. I understand some of the 07s were noisy however the IDS cured most of that. I would take the bike back to the  \\;dealer and insist they ride it. If they insist the noise is normal call Harleys' customer service and get their response. I have found the dealers in my area do not want to do warranty work this time of the year as they are too busy doing paid service and add ons. Be persistent, I got my rear caliper, rotor and pads replaced under warranty to eliminate the annoying squealing when braking, it took three trips to the dealer and two calls to the factory before they finally fixed it.
Just bought a new 08 Ultra 6 speed and 5th gear is very noisy. \\;\\\\\\; Dealer says it 'normal' because its a helical gear - that right?
 \\;\\\\\\;
Jeff
be seen, be heard, be safe \\;\\\\\\;
 \\;
If I'm not mistaken, 5th gear is noisy because it's a STRAIGHT cut gear.
 \\;
Just bought a new 08 Ultra 6 speed and 5th gear is very noisy. \\;\\\\\\;\\\\\\\\\\\\\\; Dealer says it 'normal' because its a helical gear - that right?
 \\;\\\\\\;\\\\\\\\\\\\\\;
Jeff
be seen, be heard, be safe \\;\\\\\\;\\\\\\\\\\\\\\;
 \\;\\\\\\;
If I'm not mistaken, 5th gear is noisy because it's a STRAIGHT cut gear.
 \\;\\\\\\;
 \\;
I have heard all kind of explanations for the difference in the noise. Whatever kind of gear it is....I can always tell when I am in 5th gear! I bought some Redline Shockproof lube, but, have not put it in yet.
 \\;
Andy
 \\;
2007 RK
Your 08 should not have that bad a 5th. gear noise. The 08's run \\;more quiet than the 07's. Try some Amsoil gear oil in the tranny. Good luck and just ride it.
 \\; \\; \\; \\; \\; \\;&n bsp\\; \\; \\; \\; \\; \\;&nbs p\\; \\; \\; \\; \\; \\; \ \; \\; \\; \\; \\; \\; \\;  \\; \\; \\; \\; \\; \\;&n bsp\\; \\; \\; \\; \\; \\;&nbs p\\; \\; \\; \\; \\; \\; \ \; \\; \\; Mr_Bill
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.
Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.
Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.